A Co-op: Defined

A "cooperative" or "co-op" is defined as a group of people coming together in a joint effort. A cooperative preschool is a group of parents joining together to educate their young children. At Novi Co-Op Preschool we hire professional teachers to develop the curriculum, teach all classes, and guide each child through their school day.

A cooperative preschool is a non-profit organization owned and operated by the parents of the children enrolled. The parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and participate in the classroom activities. Each family shares in the operation of the school, thus making it truly a cooperative venture.

Volunteer parents serving on a board position manage the business side of the co-op. Board members are elected each spring and meet once a month to decide on polices and guidelines for the operation of the school. At Novi Co-Op Preschool parents, teachers, and children learn together, play together, and grow together.

For more information about co-op preschools we recommend you visit The Greater Detroit Cooperative Preschool Teacher's Association website.

Benefits of a Co-Op

Novi Co-Op Parents...
  • are involved with children in a hands-on learning environment
  • share special times and memories with their child
  • are a part of a small business that is run by all the members
  • get opportunities to meet other parents of young children
  • are supported during the joyous as well as the trying times of child-rearing
  • get the chance to make use of their talents
  • get access to experts on child development at educational conferences

Member Requirements

New for the 2023-2024 school year: We have two options to serve the needs of our members:

Participating Member Option
  • Accept and fully perform assigned co-op job.
  • Attend the monthly General Membership meetings, including initial Parent Orientation​
  • Volunteer 2 times/month in the classroom.
  • Assist in a twice yearly classroom clean-up.
  • Opportunity to vote on matters of the preschool
  • Comply with security screenings (MSP for all parents + DHS Central Registry Clearance for any adult who will work in the classroom) prior to start of school.

Non Participating Member Option - Add $50/month
  • Waive requirement for a job
  • Waive requirement for monthly General Membership meetings except initial Parent Orientation
  • Waive requirement for volunteering in classroom, but still are welcome to volunteer
  • Waive requirement for twice yearly classroom cleaning
  • Waive right to vote on matters of the preschool but still must be held to by-laws and handbook
  • Comply with security screenings (MSP for all parents + DHS Central Registry Clearance for any adult who will work in the classroom) prior to start of school.

Parent Jobs

Every participating co-op family is assigned a job that contributes to the smooth running of the school. We try to assign jobs based on each member’s interests and on our current school needs. Jobs fall into the following categories:

Board Position - President, 1st Vice President - Fundraising, 2nd Vice President - Publicity, Secretary, Treasurer, Member Services, Playground & Classroom Maintenance

Daily School Operations - Supplies Buyer, Substitute Teacher, Art Chair, Laundress, Weekly Classroom Cleaner

Special Events - Field Trip Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Party Planner, Fundraising Assistant, Special Projects